He was arrestedfrom the Sub-Directorate for the Protection of Property Rights, Cultural Heritage and Environment of the Attica Security Directorate, 80 years old citizen for forgery, fraud and violation of the legislation for the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage in general.

As it emerged from the investigation, the defendant, together with other wanted accomplices, had placed a fake artist’s signature on paintings with the aim of sale of fake paintings claimed to be works of art by a well-known painter to auction houses, art galleries and also to interested buyers.

To put an end to their action, a special team of police officers was formed and from the investigation carried out after appropriate evaluation and utilization of information, the accused was identified and his scope of action was ascertained.

A police operation followed during which the 80-year-old was arrested, while in a search carried out in houses and in an art gallery in the presence of a judicial officer, the following were found and confiscated:

• -3- fake tables and fake “project-pillar” table,
• -6- ancient movable monuments and
• -11- Byzantine icons.

The ancient movable monuments and the Byzantine icons were transferred to the headquarters of the above service and examined by an archaeologist and a Byzantine expert from the Ephorate of Antiquities of Eastern Attica, who gave an opinion that the majority of them fall under the protective provisions of the law for the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage in general .

The documents will be handed over for safekeeping and final assessment to the competent Services of the Ministry of Culture.

The arrested person was taken to the competent Prosecutor.